Dr Priya Sharma Healthcare Professional
Here are some reasons why age is a significant factor in the development of heart failure:
Aging Heart Muscle: As people age, the heart muscle can become less flexible and more rigid. This natural stiffening of the heart muscle can affect its ability to pump blood efficiently, contributing to heart failure.
Cumulative Impact of Risk Factors: Many risk factors for heart failure, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), coronary artery disease (CAD), and diabetes, tend to become more prevalent with age. These conditions, if left untreated, can lead to heart damage and an increased risk of heart failure.
Heart Valve Changes: Age-related changes in heart valves can also increase the risk of heart failure. Conditions like aortic stenosis, which becomes more common with age, can lead to valve-related heart failure.
Aging Blood Vessels: The blood vessels in the body can lose some of their elasticity with age. This can contribute to higher blood pressure, which in turn can strain the heart and increase the risk of heart failure.
Lifestyle Factors: Over time, unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, can have a cumulative impact on heart health, increasing the risk of heart failure.
Coexisting Medical Conditions: Older individuals often have more coexisting medical conditions, such as kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can further stress the heart and increase the risk of heart failure.
Medications: Older adults may be taking multiple medications for various health conditions. Some medications, if not managed carefully, can affect the heart or interact with each other in ways that increase the risk of heart failure.

While age is a significant risk factor for heart failure, it is not the only factor. Lifestyle choices, genetics, and the presence of other medical conditions also play crucial roles in determining an individual's risk of developing heart failure. Managing risk factors, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, and seeking regular medical care are essential steps in reducing the risk of heart failure, regardless of one's age.

What are the heart healthy habits that can prevent heart failure?
Adopting heart-healthy habits can go a long way in preventing heart failure and maintaining overall cardiovascular health.

Here are some key lifestyle changes and habits that can help prevent heart failure:
Healthy Diet:
Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Limit saturated and trans fats, as well as high-cholesterol foods.
Reduce salt (sodium) intake to help manage blood pressure.
Limit added sugars and sugary beverages.
Regular Exercise:
Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
Incorporate both aerobic exercise (like brisk walking, jogging, or swimming) and strength training into your routine.
Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight through a combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Obesity is a risk factor for heart failure, so losing excess weight can be beneficial.
Manage Blood Pressure:
Monitor your blood pressure regularly and work with your healthcare provider to keep it within a healthy range.
Lifestyle changes, including a low-sodium diet, exercise, and stress management, can help control blood pressure.
Control Cholesterol Levels:
Keep your cholesterol levels in check by following a heart-healthy diet and, if necessary, taking medications prescribed by your doctor.
High cholesterol levels can contribute to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), which is a risk factor for heart failure.
Quit Smoking:
If you smoke, quit. Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease and heart failure.
Seek support and resources to help you quit smoking, such as counselling or smoking cessation programs.
Limit Alcohol Intake:
If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. Limiting alcohol intake can help protect your heart.
For most adults, this means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Manage Diabetes:
If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare team to manage your blood sugar levels effectively.
Controlling diabetes can reduce the risk of heart disease and heart failure.
Manage Stress:
Chronic stress can contribute to heart problems. Practice stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
Regular Check-ups:
Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health and discuss your risk factors for heart disease.
Get best treatment for various heart diseases at best hospitals like Manipal Hospital Dwarka.
https://www.logintohealth.com/hospital/new-delhi/manipal-hospital-delhi/...
Sep 17th 2023 11:11